Having never (?) eaten a ripe, off-the-tree fig, I don't know what they taste like. Sounds like I'm missing out. Rats. Still, there's plenty of other things that make my mouth water. And right now, everything is coming at once--broc, cabbage, beans, and soon to be, sweet corn! Last night, I couldn't decide which vegetable to eat, so I ate them all in a stir fry!

Spud, the grocery store fresh figs are picked before ripe. Unfortunately, figs ripen to a soft delicate state, almost liquid, and that is when they are the sweetest and most flavorful. I've had fresh grocery figs and they were tasteless, even kind of bad tasting.

Unfortunately, they don't ship well at all. Hobbyists in northern states grow them in barrels and put the trees in the garage for the winter. They mostly survive unscathed here in the winter, althoug last year my newest most tender fig trees died to the ground in the big freeze. They came up again from roots, so we'll see what happens this winter.

Joan, this is my favorite part of summer in the garden. I love figs the most. Except when the plums are juicy ripe. Then I love those the most. Except when peaches are juicy ripe.... And tomatoes.... and grapes..... and mulberries....

Had the first ripe figs today. Readers in Texas and California have probably seen ripe figs for week, but for me this is the start. Each winter, I start new fig trees from cuttings of the best ones, and give away the starts in the fall.

"White Marseilles", also called "Lattarula". This was reportedly a favorite of Thomas Jefferson, who grew it at Monticello in Virginia. Petite aubique, French variety, black on outside, blood red on inside.

I belong to an online internet fig forum and have exchanged cuttings with fig fanciers around the country. Growing various types, we get ripe figs from now until late fall.

Daniel, I didn't realize you had "tests". Thinking of you (no prayers). Plus I appreciate the word I couldn't think of: repurposed! You should see my "repurposed" brick driveway and walkway! (Photo time next go around.)

I mentioned in the food group, today is reorganizing my freezer day. Who knows what I'll find?!